Who doesn’t love a Popsicle?
We love them because they conjure up memories of our childhood. We love them because they are a cool, refreshing indulgence on a hot day. We love them because the sugary treat makes our children smile. Just the act of eating an ice-cold popsicle can be comforting and relieve stress.
So, where did these wonderful, nostalgic snacks come from? Here’s a bit of history and some fun facts about the Popsicles we love.
The Popsicle was invented by accident in 1905 by 11-year-old Frank Epperson, from San Francisco, who left a mixture of powdered soda, water and a stirring stick on his porch where it froze overnight. He initially named it “Epsicle” and later changed it to “Popsicle” after his children called it “Pop’s ‘sicle.” Today, that happy accident is celebrated by millions of Popsicle lovers worldwide.
The Original Popsicle Had Seven Flavors
When Frank Epperson began selling his Popsicles commercially in the 1920s, he didn’t settle for just one flavor. The original group included seven: lemon, cherry, orange, grape, root beer, banana and watermelon. These flavors were a hit at places like amusement parks and beaches, where people lined up for a refreshing five cent treat.
The variety of flavors showed Epperson’s creativity from the very beginning. Popsicle flavors have evolved, but cherry, orange and grape remain classics, proving that some things never lose their appeal.
The Double-Stick Design Was a Depression-Era Invention
Did you ever wonder why some Popsicles come with two sticks? It’s not just for sharing (though that is a bonus). During the Great Depression in the 1930s, Popsicle sales took a hit as families tightened their budgets. To keep the treat affordable, the Popsicle company introduced the twin-stick version. For a nickel, you could buy one and snap it in half to share with a friend…or save half for later. The design was a brilliant marketing move, turning a single treat into a mutual experience during difficult times.
Popsicles Helped Fight Polio and Other Illnesses
Who would have thought that Popsicles would play a role in medical history? In the 1940s and 1950s, during the height of the polio epidemic, doctors discovered that Popsicles could help ease sore throats and keep young patients hydrated. The cold treat soothed discomfort and encouraged kids to take in fluids when they might otherwise refuse. Hospitals stocked up on Popsicles, and parents saw them as a small comfort during an uncertain time. It’s a heartwarming footnote in Popsicle history – proof that this simple snack has had a part in healing and comforting the sick.
Popsicles Have Their Own Holiday
If you’re looking for a reason to have a Popsicle (but, who really needs a reason)…mark your calendar for August 26th which is National Popsicle Day in the United States! This unofficial holiday celebrates Frank Epperson’s accidental invention and the joy Popsicles have brought to generations. While the origins of this holiday are unclear, it’s a day when fans of the frozen treat can enjoy one in celebration of this special day.
There’s a World Record for Eating Popsicles
How many Popsicles can you eat in one sitting? For most of us, one or two might be enough, but one man took it to the extreme. In 2004, Kevin Strahle, better known as “L.A. Beast,” set a world record by eating 12 Popsicles in just one minute. Talk about brain-freeze! This accomplishment required not just speed but a tolerance for icy overload. Strahle, who is a competitive eater and YouTube personality, pulled it off with classic cherry, grape and orange Popsicles.
The Science of Popsicles Is Cooler Than You Think
Did you ever wonder why Popsicles don’t freeze into solid blocks like ice cubes? It’s all about the science of sugar and temperature. Popsicles are a mix of water, sugar and flavorings, and the sugar lowers the freezing point. This keeps the texture soft and slushy rather than rock hard, making them easy to bite into or lick.
